Have an acquaintance who is throwing a free festy this weekend, something like 15-20 bands are playing between Friday afternoon and late Saturday night..

I am not in any of the bands, I probably won't even able to be there, but the guy who is running it asked if he could borrow (i.e. not rent) my rig for use in the backline.

I thought it was kind of an odd request, especially since Im not playing there and won't even be there. If I were playing there and would be there most of the weekend I wouldn't have that much of an issue with it at all.

Considering the fact that I won't be there, and should something happen to my rig I am not in a financial position to repair or replace it, the answer is pretty much going to be no..Unless of course someone posts here that they do that kind of thing all the time without problem, than I might reconsider...

I would never loan out my rig unless I was going to be there to insure it's protection. Especially if there is going to be bands that like to crank & distort the bass, you're just asking for blown speakers!

"Post Number: 528 Registered: 2-2011 Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 - 3:38 pm: I would never loan out my rig unless I was going to be there to insure it's protection. Especially if there is going to be bands that like to crank & distort the bass, you're just asking for blown speakers!"

Thanks...thats pretty much what I was thinking..Im still scratching my head over that request, but than again Im the kind of guy that does not believe in borrowing things from people. If I need something I either rent or buy it new or used than sell it when I am done.

Sounds like your "acquaintance" is either clueless as to the magnitude of his request, or he is trying to take advantage of you! You can politely decline & direct him to the local music store for a rental! I had a friend in high school who showed up at my house when I wasn't there & told my brother that I had said he could borrow my Rickenbacker which was barely a year old at the time. Luckily my brother was suspicious & called me to ask if that was OK & I informed him that I had never even spoke to the guy about borrowing my bass! I think the guy disappeared after that, so I think he was going to steal it!

When I run sound I will rent my rig at an additional charge to the PA and myself if requested. I have also done it occasionally where I was playing with the headliner and it was easier to just let the opener plug in. In all of these cases I am physically there and it is understood I control the volume and assist in the setup for the guest bassist.

YMMV, but... if you, as me, use your rig for working, this is, besides the joy that means being able to make music with it, the answer -at least in my case- is NOT BY ANY MEANS, NO. The long and sad story of bad things that have happened to equipment borrowed from my hands and the work and pain it took to put those into shape again are a constant reminder of that I-must-not-let-anyone-but-highly-trusted-and-proven-professional-friends fumble with my "toys". The sad part, it is not about being selfish or generous, but about how careless some people are, and the little-to-none warranties there are for my equipment to be back home safe and sound (specially "sound").

There are backline rental companies out there. If there are so many bands going to play, and not a single one has/is able/willing to put their own amps in there, they can "pass the hat" and rent some amp, IMHO. It has happened to me before, and is a way to make it work with little damage to everyone.

Even if there is unintentional damage would you be able to live with it? I live by the philosophy that; You should conduct yourself in a manner that causes no regret or guilt. It makes me cringe to think that someone else's hands will be pawing over my knobs. I just realised how bad that sounds. slawie

I lend out gear all the time, but it's always an offer on my part and never when people hit me up for stuff. In fact, I just lent out my just refretted strat (a particularly nice '83 '62 reissue with both a CAE preamp and Blaster that had frets that were driving me nuts since 1986) two days after getting it back from the refret. Luckily I've got a Tele to keep me company.

I would not do this favor unless this guy is a really good friend or if there is some really powerful karmic reason to do so (like Steve Swallow and Phil Lesh are both going to play through it and the festival is going to raise millions for a good cause).

I have a shady friend who used to constantly ask for favors that were way out of bounds. When he tried to bolster his argument that "I'd do it for you", I always reminded him that I'd never ask anything nearly that outrageous of him in the first place. Hopefully your acquaintance will get it, though my bud never did...

However, like I mentioned in a similar thread about letting people play our Alembics, I'd trust each of you implicitly, like at the recent Alembic gathering up here and folks were trying each other's basses without hesitation. But a mere acquaintance? Not so much!

Bottom line, given the sheer number of bands of unknown degrees of personal responsibility, respect for other people's gear, drinking acumen, etc. you are easily within your rights to decline -- and if you are as thoughtful a person as suggested by you asking this of us in the first place, explain why it's a no-go in no uncertain terms. This helps everyone in the long run...the other bands included!

I'm surprised, given that there will be 15-20 other bassplayers there that your acquaintance hasn't asked for them to pool their own resources for the backline. One time I agreed to a 'showcase' using my amp. After 5 bands it was sounding a bit farty. Turned out to be a blown driver (trace elliot 410 combo). Amazing how the other bassplayers suddenly developed short arms and deep pockets when I asked for donations to get it replaced. I'll never do that again.

You make a good example there Jacko..... and imagine how fast the room would have cleared of bass players if it was your Alembic that was being used and got damaged.....!!!

I think if I was letting someone use my rig it would have to be. (a) another musician who I know had really decent stuff and knew how to respect others equipment.

(b) they would have to agree to replace any damage.. (yes I do know some who would do that).

(c) not a chance if it was rock music.

(d) in the rare circumstance that I say yes it would be my small rig with the walkabout head. (No way would I let anyone use my component system with a high power amplifier it would be too easy to blow something up).

In fact...... I'd let you use my bass rig if you were gigging local to me cos I know you work in the banking sector and so have long arms, short pockets and obscene annual bonuses hahahaah ;-)

Hey Jazzy, is that the "long and short" of it? What about soft rock music, is that a no no as far as using your gear? I know plenty of jazz players who are worse than rockers on their gear. Maybe even a jealous Alembic player might "slip" up. the key is to know your player, hope for the best, or just say no altogether.

Although I'm late to respond, I certainly hope you passed on this, glocke! I've been in host bands for jam sessions a number of times and, even when present, people just don't know how to respect other people's gear! I go to the bathroom and, suddenly, I hear my rig breaking up like crazy. I run to the stage and tell the idiot to either turn down, or get off the stage! Hell, the room wasn't even that big, and my rig ruled when we played there as a regular gig. Sheesh....... Never again.